HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Times, Dec. 3, 2012) – Israel Consul in Solomon Islands, Leliana Firisua, says it is a truly "a sad day in the friendship between Solomon Islands and Israel when Solomon Islands last Friday voted for UN's recognition of Palestine."

Leliana Firisua confirms that their office in New York has verified that Solomon Islands have unfortunately supported the resolution.

Earlier the Israeli Consul in Honiara said Solomon Islands did not participate at the UN sitting.

The 193-nation General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution to upgrade the Palestinian Authority's observer status at the UN from entity to non-member state, implicitly recognizing a Palestinian state.

There were 138 votes in favor, nine against and 41 abstentions.

The only other Pacific nation which voted for the resolution was Tuvalu.

Four Pacific countries: Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and Palau voted against the resolution.

Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu abstained from the voting and Kiribati did not vote on the resolution.